Summary
California is planning to take back 17,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to immigrants because the licenses have expiration dates beyond the immigrants' legal stay in the U.S. This decision comes after concerns raised by federal officials about licensing standards for immigrants and a fatal accident involving an unauthorized driver. The move is part of compliance with federal rules and scrutiny from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Key Facts
- California will revoke 17,000 commercial driver's licenses given to immigrants with expired legal status.
- The decision was influenced by federal criticism, including that from President Trump's administration.
- Concerns arose after a fatal accident involving an unauthorized immigrant driver in Florida.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California's previous defense of its licensing standards.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom's office indicated the licenses violated state law.
- New federal rules only allow certain visa holders to get commercial licenses, reducing eligible noncitizens.
- The federal government has imposed funding penalties on California for not tightening licensing standards.
- California is the only state where action has been taken due to completed audits delayed elsewhere by a government shutdown.
